What is Bird-a-thon?
Bird-a-thon is the Bird Nerds annual weekend-long fundraising competition, where our teams race across Oregon to identify as many bird species as possible. The funds we raise allow our club at Oregon State University to continue offering free field trips, educational opportunities, and community engagement around birding and conservation.
Donors participate through a per species pledge or a flat donation. The teams compete for who will receive the most pledges. Keep reading to learn more!
Donors participate through a per species pledge or a flat donation. The teams compete for who will receive the most pledges. Keep reading to learn more!
Donation info
There are two ways to donate: you can pledge a certain amount of money per species found or make a single, flat donation. Pledge donations will be counted toward the total amount of species seen from all teams. This will likely range from 150-250 species, last year we saw 242. Donations of at least $0.25 per species or $25 flat are eligible for our prize tiers, with larger donations earning larger prizes. All donors will receive a heartfelt thank you note from the team they support.
Donations will be collected after the 2026 Bird-a-thon ends on May 3th.
100% of raised funds goes directly toward the OSU Bird Nerds. These funds allow us to enhance the ornithological education of club members by organizing birding trips, inviting guest speakers, and hosting workshops. We sincerely appreciate your generosity, it makes a huge impact towards our club!
Donations will be collected after the 2026 Bird-a-thon ends on May 3th.
100% of raised funds goes directly toward the OSU Bird Nerds. These funds allow us to enhance the ornithological education of club members by organizing birding trips, inviting guest speakers, and hosting workshops. We sincerely appreciate your generosity, it makes a huge impact towards our club!
Prize Tiers
1. Condor (Top Tier)
Pledge of $1.00 per species or a flat donation of $100
- Custom Bird Nerds Tumbler
- Custom Bird Nerds Tote bag
- Bird Nerds sticker
2. Sparrow (Second Tier)
Pledge of $0.50 per species or a flat donation of $50
- Bird-a-thon 2026 Tote Bag
- Bird Nerds sticker
Hummingbird (Third Tier)
Pledge of $0.25 per species or a flat donation of $25
- Bird Nerds sticker
DonateYou can also donate a custom amount!
Bird-a-Thon 2026
|
2026 Results will be posted here after the competition has concluded!
Thank you, donors! We couldn't do this without you! |
|
Meet thE 2026 teams
summer lake Stilts
Summer Lake State Wildlife Area will be the main focal point for our adventure! There are lots of roads we can do down and stops to bird at, and there’s great birding in the surrounding areas too. Primitive camping at Summer Lake State Wildlife Area is our plan! Team Members: Dinah Hunsicker, Stella Walk, Adrian Cerny, JD Freivogel Corvallis Creepers
Locations: Marys Peak, Marys River Park, Sunset Park and Willamette Park, Finley NWR, Chip Ross Park
Team Members: Luke Steele, Ethan Bastian, Nolan Campbell, Leo Kim, Chloe May, Ellie Kitchen, Isabel Blacklidge, Anastasia Nicholson |
Coastal Chickadees
We'll go to Newport first-- probably hit the jetty's first and then Hatfield and after that make our way North and hit most of the usual spots. If there is time I think we will probably look for Warblers, but the main focus will be on shorebirds and seabirds.
Team Members: Mael Pierre, Aaron Katz, Earnest Chambers, Adam Maynard eCampus Eagles
Wherever the eCampus students are, they'll bird over the weekend and it'll count toward this team's species count! Representing Alaska, New Jersey, Massachusetts and more!
Team Members: Rylee Carley, Allison Padilla, Helen Pratt, Elizabeth Hoyt, Carlene Smith, Lily VanWingerden, Carly Becker |
For 2026 donors, please keep an eye on your inbox for the "Bird-a-thon Results" email from our Fundraising Chair, Dinah Hunsicker. This email contains important steps for sending your donation to the club. Thank you!
For 2026 donors, please keep an eye on your inbox for the "Bird-a-thon Results" email from our Fundraising Chair, Dinah Hunsicker. This email contains important steps for sending your donation to the club. Thank you!
